Shuklaphanta National Park has completed preparations for the upcoming national tiger census, following the initiation of tiger counting activities across Nepal by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). The census is being conducted nationwide to assess the current status of the country’s tiger population and strengthen long-term conservation strategies.
Tiger Census Organized Through Three Complexes
According to the park office, the nationwide tiger census has been structured by grouping five national parks and adjoining areas outside protected zones into three major “complexes.” Currently, tiger counting activities are underway in the Chitwan–Parsa Complex and the Bardiya–Banke National Park Complex.
Shuklaphanta National Park falls under the third complex, and tiger counting in the park will begin only after the completion of census work in the first and second complexes. This phased approach allows for the systematic use of technical equipment and trained personnel across different regions.
Preparations Completed at Shuklaphanta
Providing details on the preparations, Information Officer of Shuklaphanta National Park, Mr. Purushottam Wagle, stated that all necessary arrangements from the park’s side have already been completed.
“We have kept our manpower fully prepared for the tiger census. All preparations required from the park office have been completed, and we are on standby with the necessary human resources,” he said. He added that training programs organized by the department have already been completed, ensuring that field teams are well-equipped with the required skills and methodologies.
The census in Shuklaphanta will officially begin once camera traps used in the first and second complexes are brought to the park. Camera trapping remains one of the most reliable scientific methods for estimating tiger populations, allowing individual tigers to be identified based on their unique stripe patterns.
Increasing Tiger Population in Shuklaphanta
In recent years, Shuklaphanta National Park has witnessed a steady increase in its tiger population, making it one of Nepal’s important tiger habitats. According to the national tiger census conducted in 2022, a total of 36 tigers were recorded in the park.
However, internal monitoring conducted by the park office this year has identified 43 tigers, indicating a significant rise in numbers. This encouraging trend reflects the success of ongoing conservation efforts, habitat management, and anti-poaching measures within the park.
Abundant Prey Base Supports Tiger Growth
Information Officer Wagle explained that the growing tiger population is closely linked to the high density of prey species within the park. “Although Shuklaphanta covers a relatively small area, the density of prey species is sufficient, which has contributed to the increase in the tiger population,” he said.
According to park data, the prey species density in Shuklaphanta stands at 146 animals per square kilometer, providing an ideal ecological balance for sustaining a healthy tiger population. Adequate prey availability is a crucial factor in reducing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring the long-term survival of large carnivores like tigers.
A Biodiversity-Rich Protected Area
Renowned for its rich wildlife and rare plant species, Shuklaphanta National Park spans an area of 305 square kilometers in far-western Nepal. The park is particularly famous for its vast grasslands, which support large populations of deer species, forming a vital prey base for tigers and other predators.
In addition to tigers, the park is home to several other endangered and protected species, making it a key component of Nepal’s broader biodiversity conservation network.
Importance of the National Tiger Census
The national tiger census plays a crucial role in tracking population trends, identifying conservation challenges, and guiding policy decisions. Nepal has earned international recognition for its success in tiger conservation, and accurate census data is essential to maintaining this momentum.
Officials emphasize that the upcoming census in Shuklaphanta will not only help verify the recent increase in tiger numbers but also provide valuable insights into habitat quality, prey availability, and conservation effectiveness.
With preparations complete and teams on standby, Shuklaphanta National Park is ready to contribute to Nepal’s nationwide effort to protect and conserve one of its most iconic and endangered species.
